Contact dermatitis and other eczema due to food in contact with skin

This code signifies an inflammatory skin reaction, characterized by redness, itching, and sometimes blistering, that occurs when food substances directly touch the skin. It represents a localized allergic or irritant response, not a systemic food allergy.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a dermatological condition resulting from direct cutaneous exposure to food. This is typically seen in occupational settings (e.g., food handlers) or in individuals with sensitivities who come into contact with specific food items. Supporting documentation should specify the food as the causative agent and confirm skin contact.

• Differentiate from systemic food allergies (e.g., anaphylaxis), which involve ingestion and different ICD-9 codes.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "contact" with food, not ingestion, as the trigger for the dermatitis.
• Consider additional codes for specific types of dermatitis if further detail is provided (e.g., allergic vs. irritant), though this code broadly covers both.